Dementia Australia invites the public to share experiences and stories about dementia at Brisbane pop-up
Dementia Australia
Dementia Australia invites the public to share experiences and stories about dementia at Brisbane pop-up
Dementia is Australia’s leading cause of death, but according to new research by Dementia Australia, conversations about dementia often stay within family and friendship circles.
The YouGov research, commissioned by Dementia Australia, and released during Dementia Action Week, found one in four respondents say they have not had a conversation about dementia in the past year, and three in five say better guidance on how to discuss dementia and/or more open discussion in workplace and communities would encourage more open conversations.
To help start a conversation about dementia this Dementia Action Week, Dementia Australia is inviting members of the public to share their stories and experiences at a pop-up rotary phone plinth at the State Library of Queensland from 10am – 1pm AEST on Thursday 24 September 2026.
Dementia Australia Chief Executive Officer Professor Tanya Buchanan said conversations about dementia will help support a greater, much-needed national discussion about dementia.
“Dementia is the leading cause of death in Australia, and with almost half a million Australians living with dementia, we cannot avoid talking about dementia any longer,” Professor Buchanan said.
“Our research found conversations about dementia in the workplace, online, in education settings, and in community or social groups are particularly uncommon. Almost half of respondents said more guidance on what to say and how to start having conversations when someone is diagnosed with dementia or shows symptoms would help.”
Dementia Australia Dementia Advocate Chris King, who cared for his wife Joy who lived with dementia, said people reaching out often matters more to them than having someone saying the right thing all the time.
“Sometimes the best place to start is simply by acknowledging dementia and knowing that you can use the word,” Chris said.
“A diagnosis also doesn’t automatically put someone’s life in the past. Their lives are still happening now and there are still memories to make.”
Although conversations around dementia can sometimes feel tricky to approach, Professor Buchanan said they are crucial in dismantling the stigma around dementia.
“A national conversation is made up of thousands of smaller ones,” Professor Buchanan said.
“Whether you can come to our pop-up, or you have a conversation in the workplace, at schools or universities, community centres, places of worship or online – every conversation will make a difference to people living with dementia, their families and carers.”
This Dementia Action Week, 21 – 27 September 2026, Dementia Australia is asking everyone to join the conversation.
For more information about how to get involved with Dementia Action Week, visit dementia.org.au/get-involved/dementia-action-week
For dementia information and support contact the National Dementia Helpline anytime on 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org.au
Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 446,500 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.7 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.
For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au
Media contacts: Andrea Hogan, Media Relations and Communications Manager, 0406 904 118, [email protected] or Kelly Horn, Media Relations and Communications Advisor, 0420 729 876, [email protected]
When talking or writing about dementia please refer to Dementia-Friendly Language Guidelines.
About the survey:
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1049 Australian adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 24th - 27th August 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Australian adults (aged 18+).
Note to Editors:
We request, where possible, details for the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 appear alongside news stories about dementia, as these stories often prompt questions or concerns:
If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or visit dementia.org.au.